'Hasbro' Unveils Three New Animatronic Toys Including A Broccoli Eating Dinosaur

Hasbro'sFurreal toy-line has been providing mechanical pets for 16 years. This year, though, they have three different options for children looking for an animatronic companion.

After Star Lily, Roarin Tyler and Torch from previous years, in 2018 children will have a new puppy, bird and dinosaur to play with. Each has a range of unique features and will cost between $129.99 to $49.99 when they launch in the Fall.

Star of the show is Ricky, the Trick-Lovin Pup. Ricky will cost $129.99 when he is released in the fall and can do a range of impressive tricks: bone-flipping, shaking paws and asking for treats. Children can feed him these treats to reward him for tricks, or pet his back for a job well done.

furReal Ricky the Pup

Credit: Hasbro

As with any of these pets it's the realism that will be most telling. Here, Ricky has a new trick as on occasion he needs a bathroom break. With over 100 sound and motion combinations he promises to be the most life like Furreal toy to date.

Next up is Rock-a-too, the Show Bird. Rock-a-too will cost around $79.99 when it launches in the Fall. The draw here is the rock-star personality. Rock-a-too will sing and dance along to a variety of routines, repeat phrases in his own voice and even incorporate them musically into new songs.

furReal Rock-a-too

Credit: Hasbro

The bird also offers a range of jokes and funny imitations. All this is delivered in animatronic form with over 50 sound and motion combinations. Rock-a-too responds to sound, light and touch, with sensors on his left cheek, beak and chest. His head, frill, mouth, body and wing all move to create his personality.

Finally there is Munchin' Rex Pet. This dino-pet will retail for about $49.99in the Fall. Rex is a baby dinosaur who hops and begs for attention when he’s excited or is hungry. Children can feed him his plastic broccoli or caveman cookie treats to trigger a variety of funny responses.

furReal Munchin Rex

Credit: Hasbro

Depending on his mood, he makes spitting sounds while he eats or slurps and burps. Like the other Furreal pets, Rex responds to sound and touch. He has over 35 sound and motion combinations.

The success of these Furreal toys is their ability to create believably life-like characters that children want to play with. By offering a wider range of creatures this year, Furreal has something to suit most preferences. It's also good that there is a range of prices and complexity to the toys as well.

I'll report back once I've met them each in person at New York Toy Fair.